Malaysian Sales of Auto Parts Predicted to Increase in 2008

Malaysia’s automotive parts industry will see sales grow 5% in 2008, fueled by the revival of domestic auto maker Proton Holdings Bhd, the Malaysian Automotive Component Parts Manufacturers Assn. predicts.

“Our industry is very much dependent on the two national car makers Proton and Perodua (Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Bhd),” MACPMA President Peter Lim tells reporters.

The association was formed in early 2006 to create more business ties between Malaysian and Japanese car-parts makers.

“By June next year, we hope that five to 10 companies are able to establish business ventures with the Japanese counterparts,” Lim says. “We also hope two to three Malaysian firms are able to become OEMs for Japanese companies.”

Sales of auto components and parts in Malaysia fell 30% in 2006 to 4.1 billion ringgit ($1.2 billion).